 Pondicherry
is synonymous with French Heritage
in India and understandably
so as it served as the capital
of the French Colonies in India.
The town was under French administration
for centuries together and hence
it is imperative that this place
has a strong French feel in
its architecture and monuments.
There are a lot of monuments
here which speaks about the
strong French presence. It includes
the French built Children’s
park with a statue of Dupleix
Marquis Joseph François.
The other monuments of French
Heritage are the Mairie building
which house the Puducherry Municipality
, the Le Café which used
to be the port office, The French
war memorial in Goubert Avenue
, The French consulate building
, An abandoned light house ,
The Aayi Mandapam built during
the time of Napoleon three and
the Romain Rolland Library.
Apart from these there are several
churches and other monuments
which are part of the French
Heritage. The Church of our
Lady of the Angels at Dumas
Street and the statue of Joan
of Arc at Dumas Street. Are
other reminders of French influence.
The Streets and Roads of Pondicherry
have a marked French influence.
The Beach road which is part
of the Pondicherry heritage
is a classic example of French
construction. Apart from these
the various French learning
institutes set up here are great
reminders of the French Heritage
in Pondicherry. This influence
makes the place a pioneer in
the field of fashion –
be it in garments or home interiors.
There are a lot of houses which
are ancient and constructed
in accordance with the French
way of architecture.
A visitor to Pondicherry is
bound to experience the style
and elegance of the French influence
that has been infused into the
length and breadth of Pondicherry.
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